Editing Preikestolen

{{Short description|Cliff and tourist attraction in Norway}}
{{Infobox mountain
|name           = Preikestolen
|other_name     = Prekestolen 
|photo          = Lyse Fjord et Preikestolen.jpg
|photo_size     = 
|photo_caption  = Preikestolen overlooking Lysefjorden
|map            = Rogaland#Norway
|map_alt        = Map of the location
|map_caption    = Location of the mountain
|label          = 
|label_position = bottom
|coordinates    = {{coord|58.9852|6.1843|region:NO_type:mountain|display=inline,title}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Preikestolen, Strand (Rogaland) |url=https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Rogaland/Strand/Preikestolen/ |access-date=2020-08-14 |publisher=[[yr.no]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref>
|location       = [[Rogaland]], [[Norway]]
|elevation_m    = 604
|prominence_m   = 
|isolation_km   = 
|range          = 
|parent_peak    = 
|topo           = {{M711|1313 III Lyngsvatnet}}
|type           = [[Granite]]
|age            = 
|first_ascent   = 
|easiest_route  = 
|listing        = 
}}

'''Preikestolen''' or '''Prekestolen''' ({{langx|en|'The Pulpit Rock', 'Pulpit', or 'Preacher's Chair'}}) is a [[tourist attraction]] in the municipality of [[Strand, Norway|Strand]] in [[Rogaland]] county, [[Norway]]. Preikestolen is a steep [[cliff]] which rises {{convert|604|m}} above [[Lysefjorden]].  Atop the cliff, there is an almost flat top of approximately {{convert|25|x|25|m}}. Preikestolen is located near the western part of the fjord, and on its north side.

Tourism at the site has been increasing in the early 21st century, with 300,000 visitors in 2024,<ref name="CNN">{{cite web |last1=Rahimi |first1=Rosa |title=Man dies after falling from ‘Mission Impossible’ cliff in Norway |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/05/europe/norway-cliff-death-preikestolen-intl-scli/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc |website=CNN |language=en |date=5 June 2024}}</ref> making it one of the most-visited natural tourist attractions in Norway. [[BASE jumping|BASE jumpers]] often leap from the cliff. Due to its increased popularity, the most used path to the site (a {{convert|3.8|km|adj=on}} long hike) was improved by Nepalese [[Sherpa people|Sherpas]] in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/2PRKr/slik-ble-sherpa-stien-til-preikestolen|title = Slik ble sherpa-stien til Preikestolen| date=7 June 2013 }}</ref>

==Name==
The old local name of the site is {{lang|no|Hyvlatonnå}}; {{langx|en|(woodworker's) Plane's Tooth}}. The name ''Prekestolen'' (without the ''i'') was coined around the year 1900 when the local tourist organisation, {{Interlanguage link|Stavanger Turistforening|no}}, wanted to promote the site for [[trekking]]. The "i" was added later to concord with [[Nynorsk]], the official local form of [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]], and the site is now known both locally and officially as "Preikestolen."
[[File:Preikestolen de face.jpg|thumb|Preikestolen]]

==Access==
[[File:Preikestolen Map.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Trail map and profile]]
[[File:Norway Preikestolen.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Preikestolen]]
Preikestolen is located in the southern part of the [[Ryfylke]] district in [[Rogaland]] county in [[Western Norway]]. The city of [[Stavanger]], the fourth largest in Norway, with a number of direct flights to/from European cities, is located {{convert|25|km}} from the site. The parking facility for Preikestolen is located, thanks to the April 2020 opening of underwater tunnel Ryfylketunnelen, about 40 minutes from Stavanger by car.

Access to Preikestolen from Stavanger is via the [[Norwegian National Road 13]] (Rv13). From the south, it is possible to drive to the Preikestolen parking facility via the ferry from Lauvvika to [[Oanes]]. Ferries run year-round, but have limited hours, so plan ahead if opting for ferry over tunnel.

The road to the site ends in the municipality of [[Strand, Norway|Strand]], just south of the town of [[Jørpeland]] at a parking facility at the Preikestolen Fjellstue, with a [[trail]] extending from the parking facility to the site. A round-trip hike to Preikestolen from the closest car park takes about 3–4 hours for someone of average fitness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karlsen |first=Gard |date=May 2003 |title=Trip to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) |url=http://gardkarlsen.com/preikestolen.htm |access-date=2008-08-18}}</ref>

The walk to Preikestolen is very steep in places. The path starts at the Preikestolhytta, at an elevation of approximately {{convert|270|m}} [[AMSL|above sea level]], and climbs to {{convert|604|m}}. The walk takes 2–3 hours depending on traffic along the trail, experience, and fitness level.  Even though the elevation differential is only {{convert|334|m}} and the walk is not particularly long, about {{convert|3.8|km}} each way, the total elevation gain and loss over the course of the hike is more than one might initially expect, as the path climbs and descends various ridges. The walk is more difficult in winter and spring when there is snow and ice. Due to snow, it is not always possible to do the hike to the top in the winter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Hikes: The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) |url=http://nextstopnorway.com/the-pulpit-rock/ |website=NextStopNorway}}</ref>

Alternative access is available via a path from Bratteli – a stop for the tourist ferry from {{Interlanguage link|Lauvvik|nl}} to [[Lysebotn]] that passes beneath the Pulpit Rock. This walk is more demanding, and takes 4–5 hours each way.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bli med på tur til fantastiske Preikestolen! |url=https://no.fjordnorway.com/topp-attraksjoner/preikestolen/vandretur |website=fjordnorway.com}}</ref>

An alternative is to sail through the [[Lysefjorden]], with trips running year-round. Outside of summer, the weather may be wet and cold, and clouds may obstruct views of the cliff.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} The ship stops at several small docks on the way in and out, including a layover at the end of the Lysefjorden at the village of [[Lysebotn]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rogaland - Norled |url=http://www.norled.no/Default.aspx?pageid=1182 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311035756/http://www.norled.no/Default.aspx?pageid=1182 |archive-date=2015-03-11 |access-date=2013-11-24 |website=norled.no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lysefjordsightseeing |url=http://www.rodne.no/no/sightseeing-2/lysefjordsightseeing/ |website=Rødne Fjord Cruise}}</ref>

===Improvement project===
In early April 2013, a project started to improve the path up to Preikestolen as the old one was so small that it often caused "delays", and at some points on the path it was sometimes impossible to get through. By 2016 the path was completed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stibyggjaren.no/referanser.htm|title = Referanser}}</ref>

In 2019 a new project started to further improve paths, new website and improvement of signs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/wE7nP5/ruster-preikestolen-opp-for-35-millioner|title = Ruster Preikestolen opp for 3,5 millioner| date=11 March 2019 }}</ref>
[[File:Preikestolen topdown.jpg|thumb|Top view of Preikestolen]]

===Safety===
The authorities have opted not to install fencing or other safety devices as they felt it would detract from the site and the fact that fatalities at the site are extremely rare, despite having hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.<ref name="oct2013">{{Cite news |last1=Knutsen |first1=Håvard T. |last2=Stenberg, Inger Johanne |date=9 October 2013 |title=– Vi har alltid fryktet at dette kunne skje |language=Norwegian |publisher=NRK |url=http://www.nrk.no/rogaland/har-fryktet-fall-fra-preikestolen-1.11288826 |access-date=10 October 2013}}</ref> Furthermore, there were concerns that fences or other devices might encourage dangerous behavior such as climbing onto the fences. [[Norway|Norwegian]] authorities have stated that "we cannot fence in all nature in this country".<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kagda |first1=Sakina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rVZmDwAAQBAJ |title=Norway |last2=Cooke |first2=Barbara |last3=Nevins |first3=Debbie |date=July 2016 |publisher=Cavendish Square Publishing LLC |edition=Third |location=New York, NY |pages=11 |isbn=9781502618498 |access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>

According to local press the first accidental death occurred in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Norway's Preikestolen closed to visitors after fatality |url=https://www.thelocal.no/20200722/norways-preikestolen-closed-to-visitors-after-fatality/ |website=The Local - Norway's News in English|date=22 July 2020 }}</ref> There have been incidents of suicide and attempted suicide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inngikk dødspakt |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=5586471 |website=VG| date=23 February 2000 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ville hoppe fra Prekestolen |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2004/10/26/412475.html |website=dagbladet.no|date=26 October 2004 }}</ref>

==Nature==

===Geology===
The cliff was formed during the [[Last Glacial Period]], approximately 10,000 years ago, when the edges of the [[glacier]] reached the cliff. The water from the glacier froze in the crevices of the mountain and eventually broke off large, angular blocks, which were later carried away with the glacier. This is the cause of the angular shape of the plateau. Along the plateau itself there continues to be a deep crack. Due to these cracks, the plateau will at some point fall down, but all the geological investigations have revealed that this will not happen in the foreseeable future, and geologists have confirmed the safety of the plateau.<ref name="Mikalsen">{{Cite news |last=Mikalsen |first=Knut-Erik |date=17 July 2012 |title=Kan Preikestolen falle ned? |language=Norwegian |publisher=Aftenposten |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/reise/article4281222.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714003637/http://www.aftenposten.no/reise/article4281222.ece |archive-date=14 July 2012}}</ref>

===Climate===
Along the fjord there is a mild and humid coastal climate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Områdebeskrivelse |url=http://www.preikestolen-nasjonalpark.no/nor/Rapporten/Omraadebeskrivelse |access-date=23 July 2012 |publisher=Preikestolen nasjonalpark |language=Norwegian}}</ref>

===Surrounding landscape===
The cliff overlooks the valleys of the [[Ryfylke]] region. The mountains surrounding the cliff reach heights of up to {{convert|843|m}}. Some of the hilltops have plains which are interspersed with lakes.

Nearby, close to the end of the Lysefjord, is the {{convert|1110|m|0|adj=on}} tall mountain [[Kjerag]] which is also a [[hiking]] destination. Some tourists elect to forgo trips to Preikestolen and go to Kjerag instead.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}

== In popular culture ==
*A [[granite]] [[sculpture]] of the cliff was erected in the town [[Langeskov]] in [[Denmark]] to commemorate its [[town twinning|twin town]] of [[Forsand]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foreningen NORDEN, Langeskov. |url=http://www.langeskov.foreningen-norden.dk/Langeskov%20afd.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130106094022/http://www.langeskov.foreningen-norden.dk/Langeskov%20afd.htm |archive-date=6 January 2013 |access-date=23 July 2012}}</ref>
*In the final scene of the final episode of the second season of ''[[Vikings (2013 TV series)|Vikings]]'' the main character, [[Ragnar Lothbrok]], is seen sitting atop Preikestolen.
*[[Compressed air]] from Lysefjorden/Preikestolen is being sold in cans, mostly to China.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selger frisk luft fra Preikestolen på eBay |url=http://www.aftenbladet.no/nyheter/okonomi/Selger-frisk-luft-fra-Preikestolen-pa-eBay-3976326.html?spid_rel=2 |access-date=15 August 2016 |website=[[Stavanger Aftenblad]]}}</ref>
*The final fight scene (from 2h:10m to 2h:15m) in ''[[Mission: Impossible – Fallout]]'' features Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill hanging from the face of the cliff at Preikestolen, although in the movie it is supposed to be in Indian-administered [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Kashmir]], now administered by [[India]] as [[Ladakh|Laddakh]] union territory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=web desk |first=India Today |date=31 July 2018 |title=The climax of Mission Impossible : Fall out set in India, Kashmir. |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/hollywood/story/why-cbfc-had-kashmir-references-removed-from-mission-impossible-fallout-1300987-2018-07-31 |access-date=13 January 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref>
*A movie song called {{Transliteration|ta|Amali thumali}} (from 00:00m to 1:30m) from the 2011 blockbuster [[Tamil language|Tamil-language]] movie ''[[Ko (film)|Ko]]'' features the lead couples dancing on the top of the cliff at Preikestolen.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/zR144QVFBdg Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210802163650/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR144QVFBdg Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web |title=KO 2011 Making of Amali Thumali Song Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR144QVFBdg |website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode='packed'>
File:Lysefjord.jpg|Lysefjord seen from the top of the Preikestolen hill
File:Viewfrompreikestolen.JPG|View from Preikestolen, Lysefjorden below
File:Panoramic_view_from_Preikestolen_2009-07-24.jpg|Panoramic view from Preikestolen on Lysefjorden
File:Toppreikestolen.JPG|On top of Preikestolen, June 2009
File:Preikestolen.jpg|Preikestolen and surrounding area
File:Ps nov 2018.jpg|Preikestolen in late November 2018, Lysefjord under a mist
File:P%C3%A5_vei_opp_til_Prekestolen.jpg|View from the foot path
</gallery>

==See also==<!-- please respect alphabetical order -->
{{Portal|Norway}}
* [[Besseggen]]
* [[De syv søstre]]
* [[Kjerag]]
* [[Kjeragbolten]]
* [[Trollgaren]]
* [[Trollstigen]]
* [[Trolltunga]]
* [[Trollveggen]]
* [[List of waterfalls#Norway|List of waterfalls]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.virtualnorge.com/preikestolen/preikestolen.html Preikestolen – 360* Panoramic Pictures – Virtual Norge]
* [https://preikestolen.no/?lang=en Preikestolen.no]
* [https://preikestolen365.com Preikestolen365.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160822045504/http://www.ryfylke.com/en/ Ryfylke.com]
* [https://preikestolenfjellstue.no/?lang=en Preikestolen Fjellstue]

[[Category:Landforms of Rogaland]]
[[Category:Cliffs of Norway]]
[[Category:Rock formations of Norway]]
[[Category:Strand, Norway]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Rogaland]]